The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken a serious note of the alarming levels of heavy metals found in fish and shellfish in the Cochin estuary, as reported by the Times of India on May 6. The principal bench of the NGT issued notices to various agencies, including the National Centre for Coastal Research, Cochin University marine biology department, Kerala state pollution control board, Kerala coastal zone management authority, and Ernakulam district collector, to respond to the findings.
According to the court, the study revealed high concentrations of zinc, cadmium, and chromium in the aquatic life in the estuary, posing a significant risk to human health. The NGT has emphasized the need for regular monitoring and risk assessment of heavy metals in seafood resources along the coastal areas to safeguard both ecological integrity and human health.
The case has been transferred to the Southern zonal bench in Chennai, with a hearing scheduled for September 2. The court has urged the agencies involved to file their responses before the next hearing date. The study was conducted by a team of researchers from the marine biology department of Cochin University, the National Centre for Coastal Research, and the ministry of earth sciences.
It is essential for authorities to address and mitigate heavy metal contamination in coastal ecosystems to prevent further risks to human health and environmental degradation. Stay tuned for further developments on this critical issue.
